Meeting Abstract

P2.4  Jan. 5  Artificial and Natural Middens: Comparison of Shell Supplies for Hermit Crabs GILCHRIST, S.L.; New College of Florida gilchrist@ncf.edu

Shell selection and behavior of hermit crabs visiting artificial and natural middens were observed daily during a three week period on patch reefs at Cayos Cochinos Grande in Honduras. Natural middens were created by Octopus vulgaris individuals foraging in nearby seagrass and reef areas. All individuals observed were small with head diameters less than 7 cm. Each was at substrate level in a broken shell or coral hollow. Artificial middens contained shells of similar size and shape to those found at the natural middens. Approximately 1000 shells were placed at each artificial midden. Hermit crabs were attracted more quickly to natural middens, but remained in the area (within 1 meter) longer around artificial middens. Natural middens contained not only gastropod shells, but also remains of crabs and bivalves. Octopuses were observed grabbing and manipulating hermit crabs visiting natural middens. Stomatopods were noted around artificial middens and were observed eating hermit crabs.